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Best value for money: shirts, shoes, suits

Chigu

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I'm fairly new to this forum and I've seen threads on very high end items, as well as bashing of low end items. Also I have seen a thread on over-rated products, so on that theme. What are the best value for $$$ products available. I'm not big on LABELS, I want the quality. If I can find a $80 shirt for the same or better quality than a name branded dress shirt, I'd rather take the $80 shirt. I'm not big on paying for 'names' for dress attire when logos aren't even supposed to be shown anyway.

So what are some of the brands that have good quality to price ratio when it comes to

1) Dress Shirts
2) Dress Shoes
3) Suits

Please try to leave bespoke items out of the discussion.
 

RJmanbearpig

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For shoes, I'd say Allen Edmonds, R. Martegani, or Tricker's -- they all have very different styles, though.
 

lee_44106

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shirt:

-lands end, even at full retail, mainly for ease of return
-rl polo on sale
-brooks bro on sale


shoes:

-allen edmonds hands down, and you can always find them on sale


suits:

-brooks brothers for non-canvassed at full retail
-Corneliani for canvassed at full retail
 

mishon

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You're in the right place because most of us have strong aversion to name brands. The word "value," however, has a subjective meaning, as to me it is directly proportional to "quality," meaning I don't mind paying a lot for something of great quality, but I digress. I am not sure if $80 is your price range for shirts, but I presume that it is, so I will leave out the "usual suspects" like Barba, Borrelli, Brioni, Finamore, Fray, Truzzi, etc..., even though for $120-150 they present a good value. I will also do the same with suits and shoes. To answer your question, and this is just to get things started: Dress shirts - Caliban, Cinn Kediaoni, Guglielminotti (all can be found in the $40-50 price range on eBay). All three are trim, use good fabrics and mother of pearl buttons. There are plenty of unknown Italian shirt makes on YOOX, like Fracassi, Piombo, Rosselli, etc... that may be worth giving a shot. Dress shoes - Gravati, Allen Edmonds, Martegani, Ferragamo Tramezza (can often be had for $300 or less) and has as good of value / quality ratio as anything out there. Suits - Castangia, Corneliani, Lardini, Boglioli regular line and COAT, Cantarelli (on sale)...
 

Chigu

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As for shirts I don't mind spending up to $120-150 per shirt, but then it better be custom made. I don't see how an OTR shirt (even using the finest cotton) can be priced at $150+... unless you're paying for the name.

Great replies so far, it looks like Allen Edmonds (for shoes) provides great quality for the price!!
 

chorse123

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Originally Posted by Chigu
I don't see how an OTR shirt (even using the finest cotton) can be priced at $150+... unless you're paying for the name.

Good shirting costs, and so does first world labor. I would imagine that 80% or more of shirts retailing for under $100 are made in "developing" countries
 

jsherman02

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I seem to frequent STP quite often these days and have picked up some incredible deals that have great value. When you can purchase a pair of shoes for 75% off retail, that is value.
 

Cary Grant

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Originally Posted by RJmanbearpig
For shoes, I'd say Allen Edmonds, R. Martegani, or Tricker's -- they all have very different styles, though.

Agred- I've never experienced Trickers but have seen enough praise to make me a believer.

I've owned 3 pair Martegani and probably 5 AE's over the years. Great durability and value for shoes under $500 with Mart's being my current favorite. There are often a few pairs at Franco's marked down below $300.
 

manouche

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1) Harvie and Hudson
2) Vass
3) Faconnable
 

edmorel

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Originally Posted by Cary Grant
Eeeeewww! (I hate that tag)

Faconnable's suits and coats are made by Cantarelli, as are their odd trousers. Their top line shoes are very nicely made with interesting lasts. Their ties are made by Breuer. They do have a some interesting items.
 

manouche

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Originally Posted by edmorel
Faconnable's suits and coats are made by Cantarelli, as are their odd trousers. Their top line shoes are very nicely made with interesting lasts. Their ties are made by Breuer. They do have a some interesting items.
Some are made by Isaia
 

Sprezzatura2010

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Originally Posted by manouche
1) Harvie and Hudson
2) Vass
3) Faconnable


The Faconnable "Tailleur" suits are pretty good. Not quite St. Andrews, of course, but nothing to sneeze at and not priced like any St. Andrews, either.

I would say that the "best" readily-available shirt value at full retail are the John W. Nordstrom MTM shirts. "Best" readily-available RTW shirt value at full retail...I wouldn't know. I have never in my adult life bought an RTW shirt at full retail. But I think for the $60-$80 one can often find them at outlets, Loro Piana, Lorenzini, and especially Charvet shirts are excellent.

Shoes, readily available at full price? I think the consensus of AE is about right.

Suits, readily available at full price? Paul Stuart. Or Samuelsohn MTM.
 

manouche

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Originally Posted by Sprezzatura2010
The Faconnable "Tailleur" suits are pretty good. Not quite St. Andrews, of course, but nothing to sneeze at and not priced like any St. Andrews, either.

I would say that the "best" readily-available shirt value at full retail are the John W. Nordstrom MTM shirts. "Best" readily-available RTW shirt value at full retail...I wouldn't know. I have never in my adult life bought an RTW shirt at full retail. But I think for the $60-$80 one can often find them at outlets, Loro Piana, Lorenzini, and especially Charvet shirts are excellent.

Shoes, readily available at full price? I think the consensus of AE is about right.

Suits, readily available at full price? Paul Stuart. Or Samuelsohn MTM.



Some Faconnable suit cost 2 000 euros, many cost more than 1 200 euros.
 

Sprezzatura2010

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Originally Posted by manouche
Some Faconnable suit cost 2 000 euros, many cost more than 1 200 euros.

I've rarely if ever seen a St. Andrews suit for under that price at full retail, and that was my basis of comparison. So I fail to see your point.
 

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